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Date: ___ / ___ / ___
Dear Health Care Professional:
I am concerned about the overuse of antibiotics in treating viral infections, such as:
- colds
- the flu
- middle ear fluid (Otitis Media with Effusion, OME)
- coughs and bronchitis
- viral sore throats
- other: ___________________
I understand that these illnesses are usually caused by a virus and that antibiotics are not needed as treatment.
I understand that antibiotics are only effective in treating bacterial infections. In fact, if antibiotics are overused and are prescribed when they are not needed, they may be harmful to my children by increasing their risk of developing a resistant infection and/or having side effects, such as diarrhea and allergic reactions.
Please understand that I do not expect to be given a prescription for an antibiotic every time that I bring my children in for an appointment. I will be very satisfied if you simply explain that my child has a virus and that he has not yet developed a secondary bacterial infection, such as sinusitis or an ear infection.
Any suggestions that you may have to relieve my children's symptoms when they are sick, until they get over their infection on their own, will also be appreciated. Please also suggest warning signs that I should look for that might show that my child was getting worse.
Thank you for taking care of my children.
Sincerely yours,
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the parents of ________________ |
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